MPs call on feds to bring back bill criminalizing coercive behaviour in relationships

By Canadian Press on November 25, 2025.

OTTAWA — MPs on the House of Commons status of women committee want the government to criminalize coercive behaviour in intimate relationships.

The committee members, representing multiple parties, issued a report today following a committee study on the issue of coercive control.

Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu says coercive behaviour in relationships can include things like financial control or isolating individuals.

She says coercive control is often part of intimate partner violence but is not always recognized as such by the public, police and courts.

A private member’s bill to amend the Criminal Code to create a specific offence of coercive control passed the House of Commons before the last election but never made it through the Senate.

The MPs want that bill brought back, along with training for people who interact with victims, such as police and justice system officials.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

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